CRIME FIGHTERS: THE YEAR 2016 IS GRADUALLY COMING TO AN END HOW WOULD YOU ASSESS THE SECURITY SITUATION IN THE STATE?

CP BASHIR MAKAMA: Benue State, I believe before now you must have heard the antecedent that it was always in the flash point of crimes, such as kidnaping, cultism and even the famous Herdsmen and farmers, but I won’t be able to assess myself especially in what we have done to

either bring it down or what we are trying to do to maintain it. The decision will be for you out there to assess and tell us how we are doing. But from the general impression I have about the State of criminality, is that, it has been reduced to a barest minimum.

CRIME FIGHTERS: HOW IS YOUR COMMAND HANDLING THE CLASH BETWEEN THE FARMERS AND THE HERDSMEN?

CP BASHIR MAKAMA: Benue State has been a flash point over the years for this particular situation, so different situation of course requires different solutions. Having seen what happen previously and then anticipating what is likely to happen, we have also drawn up a comprehensive operation for check-mating this, either by, what we do to stop it? How can we avert it? What are we doing that we can do better? by making sure we eradicate it completely, so this is the period that the herdsmen come to look for gracing place for their castle, so we should be able to manage it and check-mate their movement to make sure the cattle don’t go and destroy farm produce. The State government has initiated a committee which include elders and all other security agencies, where everything is being monitored.

CRIME FIGHTERS: WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF POLICING IN THE REVERINE COMMUNITIES IN THE STATE?

CP BASHIR MAKAMA: We have in place, the marine boats station around those place, and on other side we keep vigil and try to have our men on ground. So the marine department of this Command is well placed and ready. We have boats that is bought by the State government and by the police. All this is to safeguard and keep the waterways in check.

CRIME FIGHTERS: WHAT ARE THE CORE CHALLENGES OF POLICNG IN A STATE LIKE BENUE?

CP BASHIR MAKAMA: Challenges are always there, but is one’s ability to always try to overcome them that really matters. Logistics challenges are being taken care of, I can’t say is so bad or so good but we have try to summon, I will not say there is anyone that has gone above us. The state government have tried to help.

CRIME FIGHTERS: WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY, HOW CAN THEY ASSIST THE POLICE IN DOING THEIR JOB BETTER?

CP BASHIR MAKAMA: Police Community Relations, is just like a sting of it. So my expectations, is that they help in information sharing on how to police that State.

CRIME FIGHTERS: KINDLY SHARE SOME SECURITY TIPS FOR THE PUBLIC?

CP BASHIR MAKAMA: As you drive out from your house, ensure that all your security gadgets, those ones that requires to be placed on record, make sure it there. Those that are supposed to be off, put them off. make sure your security lights are on if it in the evening if you are on the road don’t give lift to strangers, ensure that your vehicle are properly check before you embark on any journey, because safety first before other security elements will follow. Be mindful of how you discus your financial activities, these are some of the tips for members of the public to safeguard themselves.